The Emmy’s From A Black Perspective: Fashion, Couples, And Cut-off Speeches

Keeping in line with tradition, host and comedian Stephen Colbert kicked off the ceremony in a musical number, featuring a much-appreciated and unexpected guest verse from Chance The Rapper. In a show that took on a well-executed climate of political commentary, the Chicago-bred rapper and activist didn’t shy away from the issues either, making sure to slide in a few poignant lyrics for viewers everywhere.

“I love television, it’s a pleasant distraction/But just imagine taking action/I like Brooklyn Nine-Nine, in fact I’m addicted/But where’s the cop show where one gets convicted?” he rapped.

“This Is Us” star Sterling K. Brown gave an emotional and uproarious speech after winning an Emmy — until it got cut off early.

Producers of the award show turned off Brown’s microphone toward the end of his speech, which he gave after he became the first African-American man to win outstanding lead actor in a drama series since Andre Braugher earned it in 1988.

“When I think about it, Walter White held this joint,” Brown began his speech. “Dick Whitman held this joint. And 19 years ago, Detective Frank Pembleton held this joint.”

“I just want to say, Mr. Braugher, whether it’s at Stanford University or on this Emmys stage, it is my supreme honor to follow in your footsteps.”

His speech last a little over two minutes before it got cut off. Many on social media were quick to point out that his speech got cut before it had reached the length of Nicole Kidman’s, which lasted nearly three minutes.
Lena Waithe is the first black woman to win the Emmy for writing in a comedy series.

Lena Waithe on the red carpet for the 2017 Emmy Awards.

“Master of None’s” Lena Waithe made history at the 69th Emmy Awards on Sunday, becoming the first black woman ever to win in the category of writing for a comedy series.

Waithe, who plays Denise in the Netflix series, co-wrote the “Thanksgiving” episode with “Master of None” co-creator Aziz Ansari. Her nomination also marked the first time a black woman was nominated for a comedy writing Emmy.

In fact, the only other woman of color ever nominated in the category is Mindy Kaling. Kaling was nominated in 2010 along with co-writer Greg Daniels for their work on “The Office” episode “Niagara” (and the award that year went to the writers of the “Modern Family” pilot).

The Emmy-winning “Thanksgiving” episode follows Denise as she discovers her sexuality and comes out to her friends and family over the course of five Thanksgivings spanning 22 years. While Waithe was hesitant about telling a “coming-out story” in 2017, Ansari and Alan Yang convinced her it was a story best told by her.

“It’s very black. It’s very female. It’s really gay,” said Waithe of the story at a GLAAD panel in August. “[And] the cool thing about that is so many people loved it.”

“When a straight, white guy is, like, ‘ ‘Thanksgiving’ was my favorite episode,’ that’s when art is doing its job, when he can look at my character and go, ‘I can see myself in her,’” said Waithe.

The red carpet doubled as an epic date night once again for these famous couples.

Sterling K. Brown and Ryan Michelle BatheThis Is Us star Sterling K. Brown and his wife, fellow actress Ryan Michelle Bathe, were flashed their bright smiles on the red carpet while cuddling for the cameras.

Viola Davis and Julius Tenn
Let’s hear it for 2015 Emmy winner (and 2017 nominee) How to Get Away With Murder star Viola Davis and her husband Julius Tennon who shined bright, as always, on the Emmys red carpet.